Benefits and Disadvantages of Homeschooling

by Becton Loveless

Parents who want to homeschool their children but still have some reservations about it should take time to consider the positive and negative aspects of homeschooling.

The following information will help parents know what to expect when they homeschool their children, detailing both the benefits and disadvantages. It will enable you to make a better informed decision if you're still uncommitted to homeschooling, and it will help you determine what negative aspects of homeschooling you will be able to tolerate and what positive aspects of administering your children's education you will enjoy.

Top 15 Benefits of Homeschooling

Parents have the opportunity to:

Determine the curriculum and their children's schooling schedule

Demonstrate to their children that education is fun

Create strong bonds with their children

Adapt teaching methods best suiting how their children learn

Spend extra time with their children on difficult concepts and move ahead after children master a subject or concept

Create a flexible schedule not possible for children enrolled in public school

Provide religious and ethical instruction for their children

Shelter children from school violence, drugs, and other negative behaviors children in public schools frequently encounter

Provide their children with the personal interaction that teachers in large classrooms are not able to provide

Spend extra time helping their children develop any special talents they possess, including musical, athletic, etc

Discuss controversial topics at their discretion with their children

Enjoy spending more time with their children

Assist their children during adolescence and other trying times

Draw closer to their spouse as they homeschool their children together

Take their children on vacations when public school is still in session

Top 10 Potential Disadvantages of Homeschooling

Homeschooling parents are required to:

Be around their children all day long. This can be difficult when children become restless and misbehave

Frequently explain their reasons for homeschooling their children to friends and relatives unsympathetic or confused about their decision

Restrain anger and remain patient when children struggle with learning

Effectively handle the difficulties of moving at a slower pace than public school instruction

Spend large amounts of money on books and other learning materials

Constantly adapt to be effective teachers

Constantly motivate their children

Speak with other people homeschooling their children to get ideas about solving difficult problems if they're unsure about the best course of action

Spend time reviewing numerous curriculum programs up to their standards and best suiting their children's learning needs

Spend more time finding playmates and friends for their children in similar circumstances

Although there are many other benefits and disadvantages associated with homeschooling, the aforementioned information provides you with an idea of what to expect as a homeschooling parent.

Homeschooling can be very stressful, but it's also rewarding. However, homeschooling is not for every parent, and parents unprepared or unwilling to make the commitment to be an effective teacher should avoid it.